Children&#39;s furniture or the like



g- 8, 1967 J. D. BRESLOW 3,334,942

CHILDREN'S FURNITURE OR THE LIKE Filed May 20, 1966 2 Shets-Sheet 1 Aug. 8, 1967 J. D. BRESLOW CHILDREN'S FURNITURE OR THE LIKE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 20, 1966 WE @wiw wfl Z fl M/ i v United States Patent 3,334,942 CHILDRENS FURNITURE OR THE LIKE Llefl'rey D. Breslow, 2007 Howard St.,

Evanston, II]. 60602 Filed May 20, 1966, Ser. No. 551,661 16 Claims. (Cl. 2971) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to childrens furniture which finds use both as a toy and as a bookcase, chair, table or the like. In particular, the invention includes a pair of spaced side panels which are connected together by a fixed panel and a movable panel. The movable panel permits the furniture piece to be adapted for several different uses. The invention may include in combination with the firstmentioned furniture piece, a second furniture piece which is identical, except that the side panels have a different configuration. The side panels of the two different furniture pieces are formed to cooperate together to provide a number of different uses of the combination.

This invention relates to childrens furniture, which has both a utilitarian use, and use as a toy.

A primary purpose of the invention is a simply constructed furniture unit having a wide variety of uses.

Another purpose is a combination of childrens furniture units, each of which can be adapted for individual use, with the combination being adapted for several uses when assembled together.

Another purpose is a combination of furniture units of two basic types which may be utilized in various ways as childrens furniture or as childrens toys.

Another purpose is a furniture unit of the type described having a movable member which permits the unit to adapt itself to many uses.

Other purposes will appear in the ensuing specification, drawings and claims.

The invention is illustrated diagrammatically in the following drawings wherein;

FIGURE 1 is a perspective of one form of furniture unit,

FIGURE 2 is a perspective, similar to FIGURE 1, showing a second childrens furniture unit,

FIGURE 3 is an end view of the unit illustrated in FIGURE 1,

FIGURE 4 is a section along plane 4-4 of FIGURE 3,

FIGURE 5 is a section along plane 55 of FIG- URE 3,

FIGURE 6 is a section along plane 66 of FIG- URE 3,

FIGURE 7 is an end view of the unit of FIGURE 1 turned on its side so as to form a chair or seat,

FIGURE 8 is an end view of the unit of FIGURE 1 arranged to form a snack table,

FIGURE 9 is an end view of a stack of three units designed to form a youth chair,

FIGURE 10 is a stack of three units arranged to form a bookcase, and

FIGURE 11 illustrates a combination of three units forming an easel and accompanying chair.

Turning to that form of unit illustrated inv FIGURES 1 and 3, there may be a pair of spaced side panels 10 and 12 which are generally of a squared-H configuration. Connecting the spaced side panels 10 and 12 is a fixed connecting panel 14 which is pinned to the side panels 10 and 12, as at 16. Also extending between the spaced side panels 10 and 12 is a movable connecting panel 18 which is pinned to the panels 10 and 12, as at 20, with the pinned connection 20 being a pivotal connection.

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The movable panel 18 may have a handle opening 22 for use in transporting the unit.

FIGURE 2 illustrates the second type of unit used in the overall combination. In this case there are spaced side panels 24 and 26 which are of a squared-Y configuration. A fixed connecting panel 28 is pinned to the side panels 24 and 26, as at 30. There is a movable connecting panel 32, having a handle opening 34, and which is pinned to the panels 24 and 26, as at 36.

On the H units of FIGURE 1, there may be a pair of bracket members 38. There is one such bracket member 40 on the Y units as illustrated in FIGURE 2. FIG- URE 6 illustrates the details of the bracket connection. Each bracket member, whether it be 38 or 40, has a generally flat section 42 and an outwardly disposed area 44 extending away from the side panel to which the bracket is attached. A plurality of fastening members 46 may be used to hold the bracket to the side panel. The use of the brackets is as illustrated in FIGURE 6. When several units are stacked, one upon the other, the center portion of the squared-Y configuration fits into the open area of the squared-H configuration and the brackets are effective to hold the units in alignment so that one unit is square upon the top of the unit beneath it. It is also possible to stagger-stack the units, in a variety of configurations, using both H and Y units.

FIGURE 4 illustrates the details of the pivotal pinned connection utilized in both the squared-H and squared-Y structures of FIGURES 1 and 2. The movable connecting panel, Whether it be 18 or 32, is bored, as at 48, and a spring-like mounting member 50, for example a speed nut of the type known as a Tinnerman, is inserted into the hole. A screw 52, having a head 54, which may be of the type to receive a screwdriver, is then passed through the side of the fixed side panel, through a washer 56 and then into the speed nut 50. There is spring pressure applied by the speed nut 50 to the screw 52 to hold it in position within the bore 48 and to thus hold the members together. The washer 56 permits the movable connecting panel to be pivotal on the spaced side panels. The movable connecting panel should be slightly smaller in width than the fixed panel to take into account the thickness of washers 56.

FIGURE 5 illustrates a substantially identical construction, except that the washer 56 is omitted. It will be noted that the structure shown in section in FIGURE 5 is the mounting or connection between the fixed connecting panel and the side panels. Again, it is only the washer 56 which distinguishes the structure of FIGURE 5 from the structure of FIGURE 4.

The units shown and described herein have a great many uses, both as furniture and as toys, but more particularly as furniture. Normally there will be four units in a set, two of a squared-H configuration and two of a squared-Y configuration. However, the invention should not be limited to any number of units in a set. However, a four-unit set does adapt itself to a great number of uses. First of all, the structures, both squared-H and squared-Y, may be utilized as simple seats or benches. This construction is illustrated in the positions of FIG- URES 1 and 2. Note that the pivotal connecting panels 18 and 32 rest on top of the fixed connecting panels 14 and 28. The particular disposition of members shown in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3 illustrates one position of the movable connecting panels 18 and 32.

FIGURE 7 illustrates a second use of a squared-H unit. The unit of FIGURE 1 has merely been rotated degrees in a counterclockwise direction to arrive at the position of FIGURE 7. The unit of FIGURE 7 may be termed a chair or seat in that the fixed connecting panel 14 forms a seat and the pivotal connecting panel 18 form a back. Similar use may be made of a Y unit.

FIGURE 8 illustrates a second position or usage of the squared-H configuration. The position of FIGURE 8 is arrived at by rotating the unit from the position of FIG- URE 7 through 180 degrees. Now the fixed connecting panel 14 may form the top of a snack table. The child may sit on the movable connecting panel 18 and place his or her legs under the table top 14. Similar use may be made of a Y unit.

It should be noted that one position of a squared-H configuration places the movable connecting panel on top of the fixed connecting panel. This is the position of FIG- URE 1. One side of the movable connecting panel rests on one edge of the fixed connecting panel. In a second position of the squared-H configuration, the opposite side of the movable connecting panel 18 will rest on the opposite end of the fixed connecting panel 14. In this case the movable connecting panel is at an angle, other than 90 degrees, and approximately 45 degrees to the fixed connecting panel. This position for a squared-Y configuration is illustrated in FIGURE 11, but the relative positions of the connecting panels are the same, whether it be for a squared-Y or squared-H configuration.

FIGURE 9 illustrates a three-unit arrangement which may be termed a youth chair. The bottom unit 58 is of a squared-Y configuration with the movable and fixed connecting panels in the position of FIGURE 2. On top of the squared-Y configuration unit 58 is a squared-H configuration unit 60 which in this case has its movable connecting panel 61 resting upon the top of the movable connecting panel 59 of the squared-Y configuration unit below. Note the interlocking alignment between the squared-H and squared-Y configurations, with such alignment being assisted by the bracket members 38 and 40. The position of panel 61 also assists in maintaining alignment. On top of the squared-H configuration unit 60 is a second squared-Y configuration unit 62. The movable connecting panel 64 of the squared-Y configuration unit 62 rests on top of the fixed connecting panel 66 of the squared-H configuration unit 60. The panel 64 thus forms the seat and the fixed connecting panel 68 of the squared- Y configuration unit 62 forms the back. As the chair of FIGURE 9 is somewhat higher than the seat of FIGURE 7, it may be termed a youth chair. Other combinations of units may be used to form a youth chair and the invention should not be limited to the structure shown.

FIGURE 110 illustrates yet an additional use of the units forming the invention. In this case a squared-Y configuration unit 70 may be at the bottom and its panels are in the position of FIGURE 2. On top of the unit 70 is a second Y configuration unit 72, again the connecting panels being in the position of FIGURE 2. On top of the unit 72 is a squared-H unit 74 which has its panels in the position of FIGURE 1. Note that in the construction of FIGURE 10 all of the movable connecting panels rest on top of a fixed connecting panel, thus insuring stability for each shelf of the bookcase. The bracket members 38 and 40 align the side panels of the various units and hold them in position. The width of the shelves in the bookcase can be changed by reversing the position of the units. In like manner, both sides of the movable connecting panels may be used as shelves.

FIGURE 11 indicates still a further use of the invention. An H configuration unit 76, again with its panels in the position of FIGURE 1, maybe used to form a seat. A second H unit 78, again with its panels in the position of FIGURE 1, forms the bottom of an easel, and a Y unit 80 forms the top of the easel. Note that the movable connecting panel 82 is in such a position that its free end rests upon one edge, in this case the upper edge, of the fixed connecting panel 84, to thus permit the movable connecting panel 82 to form an angular platform or easel top. Other arrangements of units may also be used to form an easel top.

The invention should not be limited only to the arrangements shown, as there are a number of other uses of single units and of a combination of units. For example, all four units making up a group may be arranged in the positions of FIGURES 1 and 2 and then laid in a row, so that a child may lie down on the top of all four units. The individual units may be utilized as toys, inasmuch as the movable connecting panels can 'be arranged at various angles to the fixed connecting panels and they may thus be used to form a bridge, either for small cars or other toys to run over, or for the chidlren to crawl underneath.

It takes only four panels to form each unit and these panels are held together by pinned connections. Preferably the connections are of a nature such that they may be easily removed and the panels may be thus stacked for easy shipment and storage. The invention should not be limited to screw connections between units, as other fastening means may be equally satisfactory, for example in connections may be suitable. I

The panels may be made of a variety of materials. Plywood is satisfactory as are many types of commercial hardboards or particle boards. Molded plastic is also satisfactory, in which case the panels maybe made somewhat thinner than when the-y are made of wood. Reinforcing members may be advantageous both when the panels are made of plastic and when the panels are made of wood or of a wood substitute. The reinforcing members may be placed at various locations to strengthen and support the panels when they are assembled into a unit and also to strengthen the units when they are stacked, one upon the other. The invention should not be limited to the precise shape of panels shown, although H and Y configurations are generally an important part of the invention.

As shown herein, the units are of a size and shape to be used by children, both pre-school children and children in the lower or elementary grades. However, the invention is equally adaptable and has practical use in many other age groups.

Whereas the preferred form of the invention has been shown and described herein, it should be realized that there are many modifications, substitutions and alterations thereto within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A childs furniture piece or toy, including a pair of spaced side panels adapted to rest on a supporting surface,

a fixed connecting panel extending between the side panels, means securing said fixed connecting panel to the side panels,

a movable connecting panel extending between the side panels, said movable panel being pivotally mounted to said spaced side panels at a point spaced from said fixed connecting panel, said pivotal connecting panel being pivotable between at least two positions, with one side of the pivotal panel resting on one edge of the fixed connecting panel in one position and the other side of said pivotal panel resting against the other edge of said fixed connecting panel in a second position.

2. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that said fixed connecting panel extends between the side panels inside the area of the side panels.

3. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that said fixed connecting panel is generally vertically disposed in one position of said furniture piece and is generally horizontally disposed in a second position of said furniture piece.

4. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that said spaced side panels are generally of a squared-H shape.

5. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that said side panels are generally of a squared-Y shape.

6. The structure of claim 1 further characterized in that said side panels are of a squared-Y configuration, with said fixed connecting panel extending generally perpendicular each side panel has means defining a recess opening outwardly to the perimeter of the panel for receiving a projection on another furniture piece to connect the two pieces, each side panel having means defining a projection extending outwardly relative to the perimeter of the panel to be received in a recess in another furniture piece to connect the two pieces.

8. A childs furniture piece or toy, including a pair of spaced side panels of a squared H configuration adapted to rest on a supporting surface,

a fixed connecting panel extending between said squared H side panels, means securing said fixed connecting panel to said squared H side panels, a movable connecting panel extending between said squared H side panels, said movable panel being movably mounted to said squared H side panels, whereby said movable connecting panel may assume different positions relative to the fixed connecting panel to permit the furniture piece to be adapted for several uses,

and in combination therewith, a furniture piece or toy, including a pair of spaced side panels on a squared Y configuration adapted to rest on a supporting surface,

a fixed connecting panel extending between said squared Y side panels, means securing said fixed connecting panel to said squared Y side panels, a movable connecting panel extending between said squared Y side panels, said movable panel being movably mounted to said squared Y side panels, whereby said movable connecting panel may assume dilferent positions relative to the fixed connecting panel to permit the furniture piece to be adapted for several uses.

9. The structure of claim 8 further characterized in that each of said movable connecting panels are pivotally mounted to said side panels for swinging movement into more than one position relative to said fixed connecting panels.

10. The structure of claim 8 further characterized in that said squared-Y and squared-H units are suitable for combination into a bookcase.

11. The structure of claim 8 further characterized in that said squared-Y and squared-H units are suitable for combination into a chair.

12. The structure of claim 8 further characterized in that said squared-Y and squared-H units are suitable for combination into an easel.

13. A childs furniture piece or toy, comprising a pair of spaced side panels adapted to rest on a supporting surface, I

a first connecting panel vertically disposed and extending between the side panels inside the area of the side panels in the lower regions of the side panels,

means securing said first connecting panel to the side panels,

a second connecting panel horizontally disposed and extending between the side panels inside the area of the side panels across the upper end of the first connecting panel,

and means securing the second connecting panel to the side panels,

each side panel having an irregular perimeter including recesses opening outwardly to the perimeter, the nonrecessed portions of the panel providing projections, with at least one projection on each furniture piece being arranged to be received in at least one recess on another similar furniture piece to interconnect the two pieces,

the arrangement being such that the piece may assume a first position with the first connecting panel vertically disposed and the second connecting panel horizontally disposed so that the latter serves as a support when the piece is used as a bench or stool,

and the piece may assume a second position in which the first connecting panel is horizontally disposed and the second connecting panel is vertically disposed and the former serves as a support when the piece is used as a chair.

14. A childs furniture piece or toy, comprising,

a pair of vertically disposed spaced side panels of inverted squared-Y shape each including two spaced lower legs adapted to rest on a supporting surface, an intermediate portion and a single central upper leg of proportions slightly smaller than the space between the lower legs,

a first connecting panel vertically disposed and extending between corresponding lower legs of the side panels,

means securing the first connecting panel to the side panels,

a second connecting panel horizontally disposed and extending between the intermediate portions of the side panels,

and means securing the second connecting panel to the side panels,

the arrangement being such that a first piece may be placed on a floor or the like and the second similar piece stacked upon the first with the spaced lower legs of the upper piece' embracing the central upper legs of the lower piece.

15. A childs furniture piece or toy as described in claim 14, and in combination therewith, a furniture piece or toy, comprising,

a pair of vertically disposed spaced side panels of squared-H shape each including two spaced lower legs, an intermediate portion and a pair of spaced upper legs similar to the lower legs with the spaces between the upper legs of each panel and the lower legs of each panel being slightly larger than said single central upper leg,

a third connecting panel vertically disposed and extending between corresponding lower legs of the H-shaped side panels, I

means securing the third connecting panel to the H- shaped side panels,

a fourth connecting panel horizontally disposed and extending between intermediate portions of the H- shaped side panels,

a means securing the fourth connecting panel to the H- shaped side panels,

the arrangement being such that a piece having H- shaped side panels may be interfitted with a piece having Y-shaped side panels, with the single central leg of a Y-shaped side panel fitted in the space between spaced legs of an H-shaped side panel.

16. A childs furniture piece or toy, including a pair of spaced side panels adapted to rest on a supporting surface, said side panels being identical in configuration,

a fixed connecting panel extending between said side panels, means securing said fixed connecting panel to the side panels,

a movable connecting panel extending between the side panels, said movable panel being movably mounted to said spaced side panels, whereby said movable connecting panel may assume different positions relative to the fixed connecting panel to permit the furniture piece to be adapted for several uses,

' and, in combination therewith, a furniture piece or toy, including a second pair of spaced side panels adapted to rest on a supporting surface, said second pair of spaced side panels being identical in configuration,

but different in configuration from said first pair of movably mounted to said second pair of spaced side panels, whereby said movable connecting panel may assume different positions relative to the fixed connecting panel between said second pair of side panels to permit the furniture piece to be adapted for several uses,

each side panel having an irregular perimeter including recesses opening outwardly to the perimeter, the nonrccessed portions of the panel providing projections,

with at least one projection on each furniture piece 10 3,233,942

being arranged to be received in at least one recess on the other said furniture piece to interconnect the two pieces.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Haley 2973 McLaren 2971 Hoover 4615 Dannels 2972 Broudy 2971 Oakes 297239 Cruetz 461S FRANCIS K. ZUGEL, Primary Examiner. 

1. A CHILD''S FURNITURE PIECE OR TOY, INCLUDING A PAIR OF SPACED SIDE PANELS ADAPTED TO REST ON A SUPPORTING SURFACE, A FIXED CONNECTING PANEL EXTENDING BETWEEN THE SIDE PANELS, MEANS SECURING SAID FIXED CONNECTING PANEL TO THE SIDE PANELS, A MOVABLE CONNECTING PANEL EXTENDING BETWEEN THE SIDE PANELS, SAID MOVABLE PANEL BEING PIVOTALLY MOUNTED TO SAID SPACE SIDE PANELS AT A POINT SPACED FROM SAID FIXED CONNECTING PANEL, SAID PIVOTAL CONNECTING PANEL BEING POVOTABLE BETWEEN AT LEAST TWO POSITIONS, WITH ONE SIDE OF THE PIVOTAL PANEL RESTING ON ONE EDGE OF THE FIXED CONNECTING PANEL IN ONE POSITION AND THE OTHER SIDE OF SAID PIVOTAL PANEL RESTING AGAINST THE OTHER EDGE OF SAID FIXED CONNECTING PANEL IN A SECOND POSITION. 